Flowood aldermen approve Kindred at Home sign variance and authorize grants, contracts and purchases

At its July 17, 2017 meeting, the Flowood Board of Aldermen approved a range of administrative and procurement items, including a sign-variance request that had been tabled at an earlier meeting, grant authorizations, bond resolution language, engineering contract approvals and personnel hires.

Building Official Mike Prestage presented a request from Kindred at Home for a sign variance at 106 Riverview Drive. The board voted to approve a variance authorizing a 219.37-square-foot sign; the motion was made by Alderman Don H. Flynt, seconded by Alderman Gary L. Rhoads, and carried unanimously.

On the consent agenda the board authorized staff to proceed with a Mississippi Office of Highway Safety (MOHS) grant for fiscal year 2018 in the amount of $49,992 and approved a resolution authorizing issuance of Taxable General Obligation Urban Renewal Bonds, Series 2017, in a principal amount not to exceed $20,000,000 to finance acquisition and improvements for a conference center and related facilities. The board also authorized the mayor to sign engineering contracts with HI Services, LLC (Old Fannin Road mill & overlay) and with Pickering (construction phase engineering for the hotel and conference center site). The board approved applying for 2017–2018 Mississippi Department of Homeland Security equipment grant funds and authorized payment to Deviney Equipment of $88,924.47 for a Kubota tractor and a T-King mower.

Personnel actions included hiring Patrick Salem as Parks & Recreation Laborer 2, Step 3, on a motion by Alderman Gary L. Rhoads and second by Alderman Kathy J. Smith. The minutes record approval of a hire for a water-billing clerk at Step 5; the clerk candidate’s surname appears inconsistently in the minutes (recorded as both "Amanda Rankin" and "Amanda Flynt"). The motion to hire that candidate was made by Alderman Don H. Flynt and seconded by Alderman Kathy J. Smith.

Public Works staff presented bids for a mini-excavator, and the board awarded the contract to Puckett Rents as the lowest and best bid on a motion by Alderman Kathy J. Smith. Jennifer Anderson provided an update on the Flowood Chamber of Commerce. With no further business, the board adjourned.

All recorded motions carried by unanimous vote of members present; some votes reflect one alderman absent as noted in the minutes.